Look on the white side: Ski areas open

One silver lining in all the stormy weather we've endured: There's enough snow that all of Western Washington's major ski areas should be open today. Alpental and Summit East, as well Summit Nordic Center, begin operation for the first time this morning. Hours of operation and conditions for major ski areas:

The Summit at Snoqualmie: Alpental and Summit East open at 9 a.m., with lifts operating until 4 p.m.; Summit West and Summit Central will be open 9 a.m. to 10 p.m., and the Summit Nordic Center, which also opens today, will operate 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. The Summit Tubing Center also will be open from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. The snow base was reported Thursday at a little more than 40 inches. Snow line: 206-236-1600.

Stevens Pass Ski Resort: Open 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. The resort has a 40-inch snow base, but skiers and snowboarders should use caution off groomed runs. Snow line: 206-634-1645.

Crystal Mountain: Open 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The resort offers express-bus service today, with departures from Seattle, Gig Harbor, Lacey and Bellevue at 6:45 a.m. Snow base is about 41 inches. Snow line: 888-754-6199.

Mount Baker: Open 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. The resort reports a base of more than 60 inches at midmountain, thanks to 20 inches of new snow Christmas Eve and more snow Christmas Day. Snow line: 360-671-0211.